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First-ever National Ribbon Skirt Day celebrated in Canada

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Canada celebrates the first ever National Ribbon Skirt Day on January 4th, encouraging people to wear something that will express pride in their identity.

Isabella Kulak of Saskatchewan’s Cote First Nation was the inspiration for the creation of the day.

When she was 10 years old, Kulak’s school held a “formal-wear” day where she donned a colourful ribbon skirt which is worn by Indigenous women at cultural events.

A staff member allegedly told Kulak that the skirt was not formal enough.

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Ribbon skirts are a centuries-old symbol of identity and survival for Indigenous women and girls and represents a direct connection to Mother Earth.

The bill was passed in Parliament last year after being proposed by Manitoba Senator Mary Jane McCallum.

“Raising awareness of and protecting the unique and deeply personal traditions of Indigenous communities is essential to advancing reconciliation as a society, as well as building relationships and connections based on mutual respect and understanding,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement.